Recreational marijuana use became legal in Oregon on July 1, 2015. On October 1, 2015, medical marijuana dispensaries began legally selling to adults who do not have a medical marijuana card.
Like any drug, marijuana use can affect your health. Driving under the influence and possession of marijuana by anyone under 21 is still illegal.
Health and Safety
- Keep marijuana out of children’s reach. It can make kids and young people very sick.
- If a child swallows marijuana, call the Poison Center Hotline right away at 1-800-222-1222.
- If you use, don’t drive. Driving under the influence is against the law. Marijuana slows reaction times and can double the risk of a traffic accident. Using marijuana and drinking alcohol at the same time makes any impairment worse.
- Like alcohol and cigarettes, there is no safe use of marijuana if you're pregnant.
- Breastfeeding moms should not use marijuana.
- No one under age 21 can buy or use recreational marijuana.
Marijuana Resources
To Quit Using or Explore Treatment Options
Contact Andrea Quicksall, Addiction Services Team, 503-988-8359
Policy and Law
Legalization of Marijuana: Potential Policy Directions for Public Health (3.53 MB) Describes the potential impact of marijuana legalization, including:
- Marijuana use rates in Multnomah County, Oregon and the U.S.
- Possible health and social effects
- Policy directions that could minimize youth use, mitigate risks to users, and ensure public safety
Measure 91 Implementation
The Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) is charged with overseeing the recreational marijuana market. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has authority over the medical marijuana program and dispensaries. They also are overseeing the early sales of recreational marijuana in dispensaries until the OLCC establishes the recreational or retail marijuana market, estimated in late 2016.
- 2014 - Oregon voters approved Measure 91 allowing recreational use of marijuana for adults over 21.
- July 1, 2015 - Adult use and possession of small amounts of homegrown or gifted marijuana became legal.
- October 1, 2015 - Medical marijuana dispensaries can begin selling small amounts of recreational marijuana, but not edibles, concentrates or other types of products.
- January 4, 2016 - Oregon to begin taxing sales of recreational marijuana.
- Later in 2016 - Oregon to license recreational retailers and products.
Know the Law
Some rules related to marijuana retail outlets are currently being developed or amended.
Contact Us
Laurel Moses, Health Policy Analyst
laurel.moses@multco.us
Julie-Sullivan-Springhetti, Media Liaison
julie.sullivan-springhetti@multco.us